The Pentagon has reversed its previous stance by granting full military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, a participant in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. This August decision comes after military officials had initially denied the same request from Babbitt’s family in 2021.
Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer while attempting to climb through a broken window into the Speaker’s Lobby during the Capitol breach. Her death became one of the most high-profile incidents from the events of January 6.
The Pentagon’s Changing Position
The Department of Defense’s decision represents a significant shift in how it has handled this particular case. When Babbitt’s family first requested military funeral honors in 2021, Pentagon officials declined. Military funeral honors typically include the folding and presenting of the American flag to the deceased’s family and the playing of “Taps” by military musicians.
The reversal raises questions about what factors may have influenced the Pentagon’s change in position. Military funeral honors are traditionally reserved for veterans who were honorably discharged, though specific eligibility requirements can vary.
Context of the January 6 Events
Babbitt was among thousands who gathered in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021, as Congress met to certify the 2020 presidential election results. The demonstration escalated when participants breached the Capitol building, disrupting the certification process and forcing lawmakers to evacuate.
During the riot, Babbitt attempted to enter a secured area where members of Congress were being evacuated. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd fired a single shot that struck Babbitt as she tried to climb through a broken window. She was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after.
The Justice Department investigated the shooting and announced in April 2021 that no charges would be filed against the officer, determining he acted in self-defense and in defense of members of Congress.
Military Service and Funeral Honors
Babbitt served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve for 14 years, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, before leaving the service. Military funeral honors are a way the nation pays respect to those who have served in the armed forces.
The standard honors include:
- The ceremonial folding and presentation of the American flag
- The playing of “Taps”
- A military honor guard
For some veterans, the decision to grant or deny these honors can become entangled with the circumstances of their civilian lives after military service, creating difficult questions about how to recognize military service while acknowledging controversial actions later in life.
The Pentagon has not publicly detailed its reasoning for the reversal, leaving observers to speculate whether it represents a policy shift or a response to specific appeals from the family or other interested parties.
This case highlights the complex intersection between honoring military service and responding to actions that occurred after that service ended. As the country continues to process the events of January 6, decisions like this one will likely remain subjects of debate about how to appropriately recognize both military service and the actions of those involved in the Capitol riot.
